Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
Tripawds is your home to learn how to care for a three legged dog or cat, with answers about dog leg amputation, and cat amputation recovery from many years of member experiences.
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our beautiful boy was knocked down a week ago today vets say he was lucky (am sure he dos not see it this way) he had his front left leg amputated on monday 29th aug he got home yesterday he surprised us how well he mobilised and looked very much up-beat but this morning he was very withdrawn would not eat and didnt move from his bed as day has went on he is slightly better, I would appreciate some advice or suggestions how best to care for r boy he is a border collie he is almost 2 years old and has the sweetest nature, we are totally devastated this has happened to him and want to make his recovery period as comfortable as possible for him and be so thankful for any support you can give us
Thank-you
David and Eileen Gray
Hi Eileen, so I'm a very new member and a very new tripod parent as well, I adopted my sweet girl Lefty 2 weeks ago and was able to take her home after her amputation surgery 8 days ago. I think it's very normal to be worried, I think in our heads, we put ourselves in our pet's place, and we imagine how we would feel missing an arm or leg, and that makes us feel really guilty and afraid.
Although Lefty didn't seem to have a problem with her medicine (I give her pills to her rolled up in balls of wet dog food and right before meals) I was told by the vet tech that she may experience nausea and not feel like eating. Ace is probably just taking it easy, because he does recognize that he's recovering from a wound.
If his behavior seems really worrisome, I would probably call the vet just to make sure. If he stops eating at his meal times altogether and if he doesn't seem to be drinking water, he should see the vet right away.
Im sure some much more experienced Tripawds parents might have a little more insight. But I just want you to know Ace is going to recover fully and he will live a very happy and fulfilling life, especially with such a compassionate, attentive, and loving family. Hes going to move on like he's had 3 legs his whole life, and he's so young he will bounce right back. I know that Lefty has already started to surprise me with how quickly she's adapted (she most likely already had some practice walking on 3 from her injury, before she even made it to the shelter).
I think one of the most important things is to stay positive and strong for Ace. Pets can sense tension, stress, or how we feel, so a happy, rewarding, and positive environment should be best for him.
I need to learn not to write so much. Welcome ✌️
Hi David and Eileen and the Beautiful Boy Ace!!
Good insight fron "newbie" Lefty.
The first day or two Ace was still high on hospital meds. Now they are getting out of his system and he isn't feeling exactly like having a pawty yet!!
This is major surgery! Heck, humans would still be in the hospital in a morphine drip!! What kind of pain meds is Ace on? Most dogs come home with Tramadol, Rimadyl, Gabapentin and an antibiotic. Some dogs come home with a pain patch too.
Ace is doi g exactly what he needs to do...rest, rest, rest. Short potty breaks and then more rest. Although my Happy Hannah NEVER missed aa meal, many dogs don't have much of an aappetite for several days. It's really important though to try and get some food in him with his meds so he doesn't get a queasy tummy.
If you jave hardwood floors, make sure you put down non slip scatter rugs for traction .
He may not poop for a few days, that's normal. Peeing is more important though, so keep an eye on that.
Deep breaths and patience and o eur day at a time. Recovery is no picnic for about two weeks. Once Ace's sparkle comes back you will be amazed at how he just gets on with living life to the fullest!! Check out tripawds videos and you will see a lot of happy dogs and kitties living life to the fullest!
STAY CONNECTED!! YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! We understand!!
Hugs!
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
Hey Eileen, David and Ace! Welcome to the club nobody wants to join ...
You already have some good advice from Lefty's mom and Sally gave you the condensed version with all the early recovery basics. You can learn LOTS more by checking out the Start Here page. You will find the answers to lots of your questions there and of course you can come to the forums anytime with questions or also check out the chatroom, someone is usually there most evenings. You can also download the Tripawds e-books for all you need to know about recovery and life on 3.
I am sorry you have to be here but we have your back so don't be shy 
xoxo,
Martha, Codie Rae, and the Oaktown Pack
Woohoo! Tripawds Rule!
Regulator of the Oaktown Pack, Sheriff of the Oaktown Pawsse, Founding member and President of the Tripawd Girldogs With 2 Names ROCK Club, and ... Tripawd Girldog Extraordinaire!
I'm going to say exactly the same as Sally - Murphy came home on Tramadol, Rimadyl & Gabapentin for pain. Make sure that you are giving Ace some sort of pain medication every few hours for adequate coverage. The first couple of days are the hardest, and recovery usually takes about 2 weeks or a little more. Most people give pain meds for about 2 weeks, weaning them down during that 2nd week. You can apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the incision a couple times a day for about 10 or 15 minutes at a time. It will help with swelling and helps with the pain also. Murphy didn't eat very well after surgery, so I cooked some rice and poured chicken broth over it, then I added some chunks of chicken to it. He took his medications with peanut butter. Rest is a great healer.
Donna
Donna, Glenn & Murphy
Murphy had his right front leg amputated due to histiocytic sarcoma at 7 years old. He survived 4 years, 2 months & 1 week, only to be taken by hemangiosarcoma at 11 1/2 years 6/12/17
Read about Murphy's Life on Three Legs
Hi David, Eileen and Ace,
Welcome! I'm so sorry about Ace's accident, but I'm delighted that you have found your way here. There is nothing like this community to give you support and advice and to help you and Ace through this transition. It's been invaluable to me since my girl Meg lost a front leg almost six months ago.
You've had great advice already, I just wanted to add that I think Ace will amaze you with the way he adapts and that though of course you feel devastated now, I am certain that things will seem much brighter very very soon. Border collies are such agile, athletic dogs and he's so young, I think he will adjust to his new stance quite quickly. I would recommend finding a rehab vet, if there's one remotely near you. They will be able to help you with exercises to build up Ace's core strength and perhaps also do some hydrotherapy once Ace is ready for that. I actually took Meg for her first appointment just a week after surgery, though of course it does depend on the dog and how they seem to be doing, as every situation is different.
Here and now, it sounds as though Ace is telling you what he needs: rest and recovery time. Though I'd second what Lefty's mum says about calling the vet if you are really worried. Even if he's fine, it can just be really reassuring to check, and the less you are worrying, the less Ace will pick up on your anxiety.
Re eating, Meg was fine with this, though I know a great many Tripawds struggle a bit after surgery. For medication, I found chicken paté to be invaluable. Stick the pill in a lump of paté, and down it goes. Worked every time for me.
Take good care of yourselves, rest when you can (it's not just Ace who needs recovery time) and stay connected. We're all here to help.
All best,
Meg and Clare xx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Lots of folks see a bit of a crash around days 3 - 5 when the hospital meds wear off. For now, keep him quiet, sleep is the best thing. Short leashed potty breaks only. And, if he seems to be in pain, call your vet. Many of us had to adjust dosages or timing of meds during the first two weeks. And, many of us brought food and water to our dogs and hand fed them in their beds for a couple of days. Also normal at this stage (as are pate, scrambled eggs, chicken breast, whatever he will eat). Most dogs perk up enormously when the staples come out (about day 10), so just hang in there!
For meds, I have been using the allergy Pill Pockets - with pea flour, so grain free .
Otis - 106 pound lab/Dane mix, lost his right front leg to osteosarcoma on Febuary 9, 2016. Four rounds of carboplatin completed in April, 2016. Lung mets August 25, 2016. Said goodbye too soon on September 4, 2016. Lost his adopted sister, Tess, suddenly on October 9, 2016. likely due to hemangiosarcoma.
Wherever they are, they are together.
Thank you all for your advice and quidance we appreciate you all giving ur time to support us. Ace has been great today and was up and active surprising us all he is also eating better think he is getting to used to chicken rather than his usual dog food but don't mind as long as he is eating he is getting 20ml of metacam for pain relief and on antibiotic cephacare 50mg twice daily he has check up at vets tomorrow hopefully find all going well his wound looks nice and clear very little swelling around area thank you again.
Eileen, David and Ace [Image Can Not Be Found]
So glad Ace is a bit better today! Getting yummy chicken is always helpful during tecovery!
One thing we are all big on around nere is pain management . If I read your post right he is on an antibiotic and Metacam (which is like Rimady) and that is all!!
When you speak to your vet ask about at least adding Tramadol two or three times a day as a pain management . This is MAJOR SURGERY and it hurts! If your Vet was in the hospital for the same thing he would be begging for more pain meds!
Stay connrw and let us know how Ace is doing. Try and get some rest. You, and Ace, have been through a lot!
Hugs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
eileen said
our beautiful boy was knocked down a week ago today vets say he was lucky (am sure he dos not see it this way) he had his front left leg amputated on monday 29th aug he got home yesterday he surprised us how well he mobilised and looked very much up-beat but this morning he was very withdrawn would not eat and didnt move from his bed as day has went on he is slightly better, I would appreciate some advice or suggestions how best to care for r boy he is a border collie he is almost 2 years old and has the sweetest nature, we are totally devastated this has happened to him and want to make his recovery period as comfortable as possible for him and be so thankful for any support you can give usThank-you
David and Eileen Gray
have not been on site wee have had a stressful time went for check up on Tues we had noticed ace carrying back leg mentioned this to the vet felt his hip was dislocated after xray this was confirmed r poor baby now has amputated front left leg and dislocated back right hip he is home today for 2 weeks at least bed rest really appreciate all your advice and support heartbreaking watching r baby boy 🐕 💔 xx
Oh goodness, Eileen. I am sorry to hear that Ace has been having such a hard time. It must have been terribly stressful for you. The great thing is that you have identified the problem and that Ace is now resting and on the road to recovery. Did they operate on his hip as well? Or is the expectation that it will right itself with rest? I know others on here have had to deal with hip dislocations and other problems at the same time as an amputation so hopefully they will come in with their experience. I just wanted to say I am thinking of you. Ace is now home and safe and resting. His pain is being managed and with rest and time he will regain his strength. Try to focus on that. Not easy, I know, but the more positive you are feeling, the more Ace will pick up on that.
All best wishes,
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
Ouch, poor Ace. I'm so sorry. How's everything else? His appetite?
What is your vet's plan for treating the pain? Is he on any medication? Acupuncture? Massage therapy? If your vet didn't give you a plan other than R&R, Ace is probably in pain. A rehab vet can help Ace heal faster with better pain management . Best part is the Trpawds Foundation will pay for your first visit. See:
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
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